The Poetic Edda: A Tolkien-Inspired Book for Professors

THE POETIC EDDA: A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR TOLKIEN

The Poetic Edda, alternatively known as The Elder Edda or Saemund's Edda, stands as a remarkable collection of thirty-four Icelandic poems blended with prose, originating from the 9th to the 12th centuries. This enchanting anthology presents the original Old Norse texts alongside their English translations, inviting readers to explore the rich tapestry of Norse mythology.

Central to the Poetic Edda are the legendary narratives that revolve around iconic figures such as the wise Odin, the mighty Thor wielding his hammer, the clever trickster Loki, and the various gods and goddesses residing in Asgard. Professor J. R. R. Tolkien, the renowned author behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, openly acknowledged the significant influence this collection had on his own work. His journey with the Edda began at the age of sixteen when he discovered a beautifully illustrated translation by Olive Bray, published by the Viking Club of London.

For those familiar with Tolkien’s stories, the threads of inspiration from the Poetic Edda are unmistakable. Elements such as the names of dwarves in The Hobbit, riddles and games, the enchanted forest of Mirkwood, the haunting Paths of the Dead, and tales of creatures from the underworld—each of these finds its origins in the pages of the Edda. The term "Midgarth" used in the collection denotes the realm of humans, translating directly to "Middle-earth." The narrative also features elves and an array of dwarves including characters like Thorin, Nori, Dori, Ori, Gloin, and more. Notably, the names Thrainn and Thror appear alongside Gandalf, which Bray translates as "Wand-elf," echoing Tolkien’s own depiction of the wise wizard wielding a staff.

Among the striking verses is a reference to a dragon known as Fierce-stinger: "Fares from beneath a dim dragon flying, a glistening snake from the Moonless Fells. Fierce-stinger bears the dead on his pinions away o'er the plains. I sink now and cease." The archaic language of the text may pose challenges for modern readers, which is why this edition offers a glossary and an index of names to assist in identifying the various characters.

The lengthened introduction by Bray has been adapted for contemporary audiences with some footnotes removed, yet the essence of the work remains intact as it was during Tolkien's era. Intriguingly, Bray's edition includes the original Icelandic text, a feature likely to resonate with Tolkien, a man passionate about philology. He would have appreciated the opportunity to compare English words with their Icelandic counterparts side by side.

Illustrated by W. G. Collingwood, an acclaimed English author and artist, the book's artwork is both captivating and rich in symbolism. Collingwood's journey to Iceland in 1897 allowed him to explore the very landscapes where the Icelandic sagas unfolded, and his resulting illustrations blossomed into a striking Art Nouveau style.

Overall, the Poetic Edda remains the most significant source available on Norse mythology and Germanic heroic legends. Its impact on Tolkien’s imagination is profound, shaping the fantastical worlds he crafted in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and enriching the literary landscape for generations to come.

product information: